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Sunday, January 17, 2016

It is the nature of things to be of impermanence. The fluctuating weathers of Oklahoma can speed up that process. In the Spring just past these fluctuating weathers of heat and cold, winds and rain made it very obvious it was time to retire Sister Lodge. So it was taken down and laid to rest.
It is said that what happens on the land stays on the land. Therefore, the prayers and offerings that have been given here continue on indefinitely. As one looks with other eyes on the fire ring,the Lodge Pole and the Altar which are still standing, there is an awareness that the power and energy of the Lodge still remain. Rather than taking this blog down, the decision has been made to keep it open in the hopes that the information about participation in the Lodge will be of benefit to anyone who may find their way to this space that continues its sacred work. So may it be.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The sweat lodge is the oldest form of prayer and is known all over the world. It is led only by persons who have been trained and recognized as leaders and who have committed their lives to the service of the people.The sweat lodge is a purifying sacred ceremony. The purpose of a sweat lodge is to cleanse, purify, clear old non-serving energy,allowing one to be reborn out of the dark circle of the lodge. The lodge represents the warm moist heat of the womb.. We are renewed into the Light of the world. The cleansing process is not just a physical cleanse of "sweat," but is also a spiritual, emotional, and mental cleansing purification through this ritual process. The lodge also serves as a place for worship, healing and for celebration of events or achievements. The sweat lodge and corresponding teaching of the Native American Medicine Wheel is not a religion in conflict with other religions but will serve as an enhancement to understand on a deeper level the core beliefs of all spiritual paths.

Monday, August 23, 2010

The purpose of the ceremony is spiritual growth and healing for oneself, for others and for this planet Earth It is also for wisdom and guidance so we may serve the Creator and the people in a good way, bringing balance for the mending of the Sacred Hoop of life.

The Ceremony—The leaders of the sweat lodge will give specific instructions during ceremony. It is important to show respect throughout the entire ceremony—to the Creator and to all in attendance. Because tobacco is a sacred medicine given to us by the Creator, it is for ceremonial use only. We ask that you not use it socially at ceremonies. We also request that you be clear of alcohol and other mood altering drugs.One can become physically ill otherwise or cause injury for others. The sweat lodge and other events at Singing Stones are for those who are serious about spiritual growth and healing.

We encourage people of all beliefs and races to attend and participate, however, we remind you that this is for your benefit, it does not prepare you to conduct ceremonies for others.

Sweat Lodge InstructionsFast or eat lightly during the day of the sweat unless you have medical conditions that would restrict fasting.

What to bring:Water bottles-Potluck style food to share at meal after sweat.

PLEASE only healthy foods (high protein, low carbohydrate)

If you have difficulty with hypoglycemia,bring juice and nuts. We will also have juice available.

An optional financial donation for the host lodge, sweat leaders and fireman is appreciated This is used to offset expenses of providing sweat: wood, water, travel, food etc.

We are encouraging environmental responsibility using no paper products or styroform. All plastic water bottles are recycled.

All food scraps are returned to the earth and left for the critters.

What to wear:
Men wear bathing suits during the sweat , have a towel for use during sweat.

Men and women need additional towels and dry clothes to change into after the sweat.
Women wear modest loose fitting shorts, slacks,loose fitting top or loose dresses (cotton is best).

Jewelry is best removed as the heat can burnNote: Women cannot participate in a sweat or work in the kitchen during their menstrual periods. The reason for this is not that women are considered unclean as in some religious traditions but that women are seen as exceedingly powerful during this time.

Medical instructions—If you have heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or other medical conditions that would be of concern, please talk to your physician. We know diabetics may find it helpful to bring candy or juice for immediate problems of hypoglycemia but these must be followed immediately by a high protein food.

If you cannot stay in the sweat, you are welcome to leave at any time and later may re-enter if you are able. Those who are blocked from going into the sweat for medical reasons are still welcome to attend, sit outside, meditate, enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and provide prayer support for those inside the lodge.

Lots of wood is required for a sweat lodge so it is appropriate and expected that wood either be brought or replenished for the sweat which will follow. Doing that will assure that wood will continue to be available for others.This preparation involves:Cleaning the lodge area, cleaning rock pit,covering the lodge with tarps and blankets, seating mats in lodge, preparing changing area.

Assembling lodge tools; buckets etc. these are kept in the little house Ceremonial items for altar are kept in fireplace area in the house.

Place water,ice and juice close to lodge opening

If eating outside: setting up area for the feast; tables, table coverings and eating items. waste baskets for recycling plastic, paper and food.(all food waste goes to the critters)

Monday, August 3, 2009

The past days I have been working on the Medicine Wheel located on the South of SingingStones Hill. Bermuda grass had invaded. Three night later the Bermuda grass was gone. Last night more stones were added to the Circle. This morning eight bags of salt were spread. Salt purifies. Pulling grass purifies.The Medicine Wheel, as I worked around The Four Directions reminded me once again that one needs balance of the Emotional, Physical, Mental and Spiritual. My what a Physical challenge this pulling,hawling, pushing, lifting. O creator of life and circles, fill me with your strength during these days. With gratitude the work is almost finished but keeping the Bermuda Grass out is a daily Spiritual Practice.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

this is about the land that holds this lodge.An ancient grinding stone put here eons ago and around which Native women once ground their grain,told the stories that guided the children, made the items for ceremonial use, called out the Name for this Lodge Circle in a dream. When the dream was shared with elders, the land was blessed and dedicated for a place of prayer for the people.this is a place of peace. Eagles circle when lodge preparations begin, Hawks stay close to remind us this is a sacred protected place; sage grows on all sides. Many have come here sharing their energy and their prayers, many more have yet to come. Ceremonial leaders share the Wisdom and Ways of the ancestors that the Circle of Life may be healed and whole............Mi tiku oyasin. We are all relatives